Boone, IA
Population 12,445 · Iowa
About Boone, IA
Boone is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 12,445 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,269 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Boone features a median home value of $156,400, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Boone in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $791, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,751 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (3,786 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (1,351 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Boone shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Boone have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.0% of Boone residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Boone Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Boone, IA
Compared to national averages, Boone has a median household income of $67,269 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $156,400, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $791 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Boone's income is 1% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 18% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Boone, IA?
Boone offers affordable housing with a median home value of $156,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $791/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,269) that falls below the national average. However, Boone’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Boone has a population of 12,445 with a median age of 38.5 years. Compare Boone with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Boone
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oskaloosa | 11,492 | $62,172 | $128,900 | Compare |
| Spencer | 11,393 | $57,068 | $178,300 | Compare |
| Norwalk | 13,610 | $94,583 | $275,700 | Compare |
| Storm Lake | 11,275 | $58,341 | $163,600 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hill | 10,796 | $86,890 | $284,100 | Compare |
| Pella | 10,624 | $81,201 | $259,600 | Compare |
| Le Mars | 10,597 | $72,381 | $202,200 | Compare |
| Waverly | 10,446 | $78,429 | $215,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Boone With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Boone
What is the population of Boone, IA?
The population of Boone, IA is 12,445 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Boone?
The median household income in Boone, IA is $67,269 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Boone?
The median home value in Boone, IA is $156,400, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Boone?
The median monthly rent in Boone, IA is $791, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Boone?
The unemployment rate in Boone, IA is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Boone, IA a good place to live?
Boone offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,445 and a median age of 38.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Boone, IA?
25.0% of residents in Boone aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Boone?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Boone, IA: median home value is $156,400 (36% below national), median rent is $791/month, and median household income is $67,269. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Boone?
The poverty rate in Boone, IA is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Boone, IA?
Boone's population is 4.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.